I have a theory that the world is collapsing into self-parody. The latest data-point: a report that “a memo distributed” by the office of Georgia state Rep. Ben Bridges “says the teaching of evolution should be banned in public schools because it is a religious deception stemming from an ancient Jewish sect.”

Bridges (R-Cleveland) denies having anything to do with the memo. But one of his constituents said he wrote the memo with Bridges’ approval before it was recently distributed to lawmakers in several states, including Texas, California, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

“Indisputable evidence — long hidden but now available to everyone — demonstrates conclusively that so-called ‘secular evolution science’ is the Big-Bang 15-billion-year alternate ‘creation scenario’ of the Pharisee Religion,” the memo says. “This scenario is derived concept-for-concept from Rabbinic writings in the mystic ‘holy book’ Kabbala dating back at least two millennia.”

The memo calls on lawmakers to introduce legislation that would end the teaching of evolution in public schools because it is “a deception that is causing incalculable harm to every student and every truth-loving citizen.”…

Bridges denied writing or authorizing the memo.

“I did not put it out nor did I know it was going out,” Bridges said. “I’m not defending it or taking up for it.”

But he added:

“I agree with it more than I would the Big Bang Theory or the Darwin Theory,” Bridges said. “I am convinced that rather than risk teaching a lie why teach anything?”

That’s the spirit! Why teach anything?

Oh, the authors of the memo also contend that the earth is flat, and the whole heliocentric thing is another Jewish conspiracy.

[To the tune of The Rolling Stones, “Anybody Seen My Baby,” from the album “Forty Licks (Disc 2)”.]